14wk male F2B aggressive adaptation to new home

[Medesha]

I would not force him...

Yeah, maybe not force him, more like show him it's not so bad? A few seconds, unless they start flailing and screeching, claws out?

 

[Pam Flachs]

While I would not suggest forcing this particular kitten, I did do that with one of my DSH cats. She arrived here as an extremely feral rescue at 6 weeks old. Claws, teeth, hissing, the whole works. After 2 weeks of very little progress, I wrapped her in a towel with just her head sticking out, and held her on my lap while I read or watched TV. I did not try to pet her at that time, but talked quietly to her. I held her for 3 hours the first day, 2 the second, 1 hour the last...it only took 3 days of swaddling before I was able to handle her without biting or scratching. Today, she is still not a cuddler or lap cat, but is very sweet and has her own way of asking for and receiving petting and affection from us. I know that "swaddling" helps colicky human babies, so thought it was worth a try.....

 

[Brigitte Cowell]

I would not force him...

I completely agree! I've had to rescue a Savannah from a home that thought that the cat should be "forced" to accept petting and this cat went from a happy outgoing kitten to a very upset reactive cat that then was dumped into Rescue requiring a very special home to work with the resultant issues :-(

 

[casper75]

When playing with the toy maybe you could try putting your hand down the wand until you reach his back & start softly touching him that way, It wouldn't be forced touching just another way you can work with him also try & make a game of giving out treats so make a straight line & sit at the end & he bound to want that treat near you.

 

[Laura W]

I agree with not forcing him. Tried that with Echo when he came home initially..........caused him to be more afraid. The only thing that has worked with him so far has been his introduction to Dolos, the Bengal kitten and seeing that we have fun playing. He loves her now and asks for her to come be with him. He has also learned that she takes food from my fingers and that's okay also. He is ever so gentle when he accepts food from me........growls the entire time, but he isn't growling to be mean. I have learned that he's vocalizing isn't fear but enjoyment of food or wanting my attention or Dolos's attention. Interestingly enough though, I am the only one who can get close to him and it's only because everything has been on his terms and very small baby steps. It's been 6 months and he still won't let me touch him, but he doesn't run from me either and will actually call me to come and talk to him.

Have said from the beginning that he just needs time, and it's working. Even baby steps are good steps.

 

[schlieperk]

Thank you everyone. Unfortunately, Diego has regressed some. He no longer accepts treats from my hands. Now when I offer them I get clawed. I have had him in a separate room for 2 months now and my back can't take sleeping on the floor any longer. I've decided to try opening up his world some and give him the opportunity to explore and spend more time with our other cats. I have not forced him to allow me to pet him. I just don't think that will work. I'm going to let him watch the interaction I have with the other cats and see if that starts to bring him around.

Next question. He is now 5 mos old. Should I neuter him now, or wait until around 8 mos old? I'm leaning toward doing it now in hopes of improving his temperament. What effect will this have on his size & temperament?

 

[admin]

I don't see why you can't neuter him now...it is a shame he has regressed, but maybe your current plan will be more successful...my understanding is that early neutering will not affect their growth at all. As for temperament - it may help.

 

[Breheart]

Anywhere between 4-6 months is what I heard for neutering, but as long as he is not starting to spray then it can wait. My thought is it could be emotionally tough on Diego if he is in pain post-op and still refuses to seek you for comfort. On the other hand though maybe that would be good? I had Keljin neutered at 4months and it was a big bonding moment for us. I am not 100% sure one way or the other, but good luck! I am hoping you can gain a few steps back and then some with this plan interacting with your other kitties. I will be thinking of you guys!

 

[Brigitte Cowell]

I don't see why you can't neuter him now...it is a shame he has regressed, but maybe your current plan will be more successful...my understanding is that early neutering will not affect their growth at all. As for temperament - it may help.

Neutering is not reported to slow growth, in fact the male hormones are shown to close growth plates so neutering him may actually aid his growth.

I'm so sorry he's not coming around as hoped...

 

[Patti]

I would definitely neuter him asap - the last thing you need is an unfriendly, spraying male!